Empower

Leadership

Mentorship from Community Elders and Leaders

  • Youth are paired with respected elders and community leaders who impart traditional wisdom, cultural teachings, and practical advice.
  • Elders serve as role models, guiding youth in leadership principles rooted in Indigenous values and community stewardship.

Skills Development

  • Communication: Youth learn effective communication through storytelling, public speaking, and cultural presentations, emphasizing clarity and cultural sensitivity.
  • Problem-Solving: Activities simulate real-world challenges, encouraging youth to apply traditional knowledge and critical thinking to find innovative solutions.
  • Decision-Making: Opportunities to lead community projects foster confidence in decision-making, considering cultural implications and community impact.

Project Leadership

  • Youth take on leadership roles in community initiatives that preserve cultural heritage or address local issues.
  • Projects include cultural revitalization efforts, environmental conservation projects, and community service activities.

Cultural Identity

Exploration of Traditional Teachings and Ceremonies

  • Youth participate in ceremonies, rites of passage, and teachings that deepen their understanding of cultural values, spirituality, and community roles.
  • Activities include learning traditional songs, dances, and practices that connect youth with their ancestral roots.

Pride in Cultural Heritage

  • Programs instill pride in Indigenous and Native American heritage through art, language preservation, and celebrations of cultural milestones.
  • Youth develop a strong sense of identity and appreciation for the contributions of their ancestors to history and society.

Expression Through Art and Storytelling

  • Creative workshops provide platforms for youth to express their cultural identity through visual arts, storytelling, music, and traditional crafts.
  • Activities include beadwork, pottery, painting, and regalia making, fostering creativity and cultural preservation.